The first snowfall of the year is one of the most dangerous times to be on the road, as motorists struggle to remember how to drive in wet, slick conditions. Although Old Man Winter hasn't hit Cars.com's Chicago headquarters just yet, it's never too early to start getting prepared for driving on...

f you've never had to pry a wiper loose from a frozen windshield, you might not recognize the comfort and safety challenges that confront motorists in harsh winter climates. Here in colder climes, you know the horror of losing sensation in your fingers and toes or sliding haplessly into a ditch....

Air filter: Replace according to owner's manual, more frequently in dusty conditions, or when dirty. A dirty filter will lower mileage and hurt performance. Hold it up to the light to see how dirty it is.